Apparatus for styling hair

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to an aid for styling hair in cooperation with a comb ( 12 ) having a spine ( 14 ) and a plurality of teeth ( 16 ) extending from the spine ( 14 ) The aid includes a telescopic extension ( 18 ) having a base ( 20 ) and a tip ( 22 ) that extends substantially normally with respect to both the spine ( 14 ) and the teeth ( 16 ) of the comb ( 12 ), an extension joint ( 24 ) joining the base ( 20 ) of the extension ( 18 ) to the spine ( 14 ) of the comb ( 12 ), a guide ( 26 ) having a first end ( 28 ) and a second end ( 30 ), and an elbow ( 32 ) connecting the first end ( 28 ) of the guide ( 26 ) to the tip ( 22 ) of the extension ( 18 ).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to devices for styling hair, and in particular devices for styling hair in cooperation with a comb.

2. Description of the Related Art

Cutting hair successfully is a challenging art. It is difficult to accomplish a proportionate cut all around the head, and hence it is difficult to achieve predictable and reproducible results. Results can vary unsettlingly between visits to the stylist and between stylists.

In general, high degrees of skill and experience are required to deliver a proportionate cut on a predictable and reproducible basis. Good stylists become adept at manipulating both comb and scissors in one hand: gathering hair with hand and comb, measuring length and angle of cut by eye, and then cutting. To aid in measuring the cut, they typically place some combination of their hand, fingers, thumb and comb against the clients scalp as a rough and ready reference spanning along the length of the hair to the point of the desired cut.

This traditional process requires a careful eye and practiced dexterity to accomplish a quality cut in an economically efficient amount of time. It has been recognized that new and less-skilled stylists may not be able to deliver quality cuts with these techniques, particularly in an economically efficient amount of time. There has therefore been a need for measurement and cutting aids.

The related art generally teaches a comb combined with some kind of guide that indicates a consistent cut. This art tends to suffer from two shortcomings. Some aids are not adjustable, so that they only facilitate one length and kind of cut. Other aids are adjustable, but cumbersome, such that they provide questionable assistance to a stylist or a person cutting his or her own hair.

What is needed is an adjustable aid that isn't cumbersome to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES

The present invention is directed to such an aid.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for styling hair in cooperation with a comb having a spine and a plurality of teeth extending from the spine, the apparatus having: a telescopic extension having a base and a tip operable to extend substantially normally with respect to both the spine and the teeth of the comb, an extension joint joining the base of the extension to the spine of the comb, a guide having a first end and a second end, and an elbow connecting the first end of the guide to the tip of the extension.

The extension might be formed from a plurality of telescoping segments and a segment, when fully or partially extended, might resist retraction.

The extension might include an extension-scale. The exposed length of a fully or partially extended segment could be equal to a unit of the extension-scale.

The guide could be operable to rotate about the elbow. Thus the elbow might include a protractor, perhaps with a simplified scale, that measures the angle between the extension and the guide. The elbow might be operable to lock the guide and the extension in a predetermined angular disposition.

The guide itself might be telescopic and include a guide-scale.

The apparatus might further include a support having a proximal end and a distal end extending substantially parallel to the extension, and a support joint joining the proximal end of the support to the spine of the comb. This support might also be telescopic.

The apparatus might further include a knee connecting the second end of the guide to the distal end of the support. The guide might be operable to rotate about the knee.

The extension joint and the support joint might be adapted to releasably engage the comb, for example at various locations. In this regard, the spine of the comb may include a spine-scale.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a comb for use in cooperation with an apparatus for styling hair, the apparatus for styling hair having an extension joint for engaging the comb and the comb having an elongated spine engageable within the extension joint and a plurality of teeth extending normally from the spine.

The spine might extend beyond the plurality of teeth and have a longitudinal groove on each side engageable within the extension joint. At least one groove might include at least one detent for more certainly engaging the extension joint at a specific position along the length of the groove.

Alternatively, the extension and the comb might be unitary.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an oblique view of a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the second embodiment of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the second embodiment of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the third embodiment of FIG. 5 with the guide extended;

FIG. 7 is a left side view of the third embodiment of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a right side view of the third embodiment of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a back view of the third embodiment of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the third embodiment of FIG. 5;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the third embodiment of FIG. 5;

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the third embodiment of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 13 is a bottom oblique view of a fourth embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, a first embodiment of an apparatus for styling hair 10 _(a) is shown generally in FIG. 1, in cooperation with a comb 12 having a spine 14 and a plurality of teeth 16 extending from the spine 14.

The first embodiment 10 _(a) includes a telescopic extension 18 having a base 20 and a tip 22 operable to extend substantially normally with respect to both the spine 14 and the teeth 16 of the comb 12. An extension joint 24 joins the base 20 of the extension 18 to the spine 14 of the comb 12.

The first embodiment 10 _(a) further includes a guide 26 having a first end 28 and a second end 30, and an elbow 32 connecting the first end 28 of the guide 26 to the tip 22 of the extension 18.

The first embodiment 10 _(a) further includes a support 34 having a proximal end 36 and a distal end 38 extending substantially parallel to the extension 18. A support joint 40 joins the proximal end 36 of the support 34 to the spine 14 of the comb 12. As embodied, the support 34 is telescopic. More particularly, the extension 18 and support 34 may be formed from a plurality of telescoping segments 46 that resist retraction when fully extended.

The first embodiment 10 _(a) further includes a knee 42 connecting the second end 30 of the guide 26 to the distal end 38 of the support 34.

At least one of the elbow 32 and the knee 42 can be configured such that the guide 26 may be released from engagement with the extension 18 or the support 34 respectively, for example to open a gap 56. Those skilled in the art will recognize that such release might be effected by relative movement between adjacent parts, for example translation, rotation or bending.

The extension 18 and the comb 12 are unitary. The support 34 and the comb 12 are unitary. Thus, this simple first embodiment 10 _(a) could be manufactured and sold as a complete tool for styling hair in cooperation with a comb 12, the comb 12 being integrally included as part of the tool.

In one mode of operation, the stylist adjusts the length of the extension 18 and the support 34 such that the guide 26 lies parallel to the spine 14 of the comb 12 at a desired separation. The teeth 16 of the comb 12 are then combed through the client's hair against the client's scalp such that the hair rests against and falls over the guide 26 and the guide 26 indicates the desired length of cut. The stylist then cuts the hair along the guide 26.

In another mode of operation, the guide 26 is swept across the client's scalp such that the client's hair is combed through the teeth 16 of the comb 12, resting against and falling over the spine 14 of the comb 12, such that the spine 14 indicates the desired length of cut. The stylist then cuts the hair along the spine 14. This mode of operation is particularly well suited to cuts two inches or closer to the scalp.

The telescopic nature of the extension 18 and the support 34 results in less cumbersome use at various lengths of cut. Thus for example, at shorter lengths, the extension 18 and the support 34 effectively collapse into themselves so as not to form cumbersome protrusions or spurs that might hurt or otherwise hamper the client or stylist.

Those skilled in the art will recognize the symmetric nature of the first embodiment 10 _(b) and that as a consequence it may be operated ambidextrously. Similarly, a client might choose to use it for self-styling instead of or as a supplement to retaining a stylist.

FIGS. 2-4 show a second embodiment of an apparatus for styling hair 10 _(b). The second embodiment 10 _(b) is similar to the first embodiment 10 _(a), but characterized by the following differences.

The guide 26 is operable to rotate about the elbow 32 and the knee 42.

The extension 18 includes an extension-scale 44. As embodied, the extension 18 is formed from a plurality of telescoping segments 46, wherein each segment 46 can be extended in increments of one unit of the extension scale 44 and resists unintentional extension and retraction.

Similarly the guide 26 is telescopic and includes a guide-scale 48 and the support 34 is telescopic and includes a support-scale 50.

The spine 14 includes a spine-scale 52. The extension joint 24 and the support joint 40 are adapted to releasably engage the comb 12, for example at various locations along the spine-scale 52.

In one mode of operation, the stylist adjusts the length of the extension 18 and the support 34 such that the guide 26 lies at a desired separation and angle with respect to the spine 14 of the comb 12. Different oblique angles produce different shapes of layered cut. The teeth 16 of the comb 12 are then combed through the client's hair against the client's scalp such that the hair rests against and falls over the guide 26 and the guide 26 indicates the desired length of cut. The stylist then cuts the hair along the guide 26. The stylist can check where the hair crosses the guide-scale 48 and the spine-scale 52 respectively, to be sure that the hair is parallel with the extension 18 or the support 34 and therefore the length of cut is as indicated on the extension-scale 44 or the support-scale 50.

In another mode of operation, the guide 26 is then swept across the client's scalp such that the client's hair is combed through the teeth 16 of the comb 12, resting against and falling over the spine 14 of the comb 12, such that the spine 14 indicates the desired length of cut. The stylist then cuts the hair along the spine 14. This mode of operation is usually used for cutting short hair, for example two inches or less.

Those skilled in the art will recognize the angle of the guide 26 with respect to the spine 14 is a function of the length of the extension 18 and the length of the support 34. Stylists can record the respective measurements on the extension-scale 44 and the support-scale 50 for reference for future stylings or for communication to other stylists. In this regard, the extension-scale 44 and the support-scale 50 might be set out in unconventional or even nonuniform units, but might identify measurements of particular application to styling hair.

The extension joint 24 and the support joint 40 can be disengaged to release the comb 12 from the second embodiment 10 _(b) apparatus. This functionality is useful so that the apparatus can be used in combination with various combs 12, for example when specific combs 12 have particular functionality or when a previously-used comb 12 needs to be cleaned or replaced when broken.

The telescoping guide 26 can be set to various lengths and angles and used in combination with various lengths of combs 12. In this regard, the guide-scale 48 and a comb 12's spine-scale 52 help with the desired placement of the extension joint 24 and the support joint 40 for engaging the comb 12. Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is advantageous to be able to shorten or lengthen the guide 26 in order to trace the contours of the client's head either more finely or more coarsely respectively and to set different angles for the guide 26 to produce differently layered cuts.

FIGS. 5-12 show a third embodiment of an apparatus for styling hair 10 _(c). The third embodiment 10 _(c) is similar to the second embodiment 10 _(b), but characterized by the following differences.

The third embodiment 10 _(c) lacks a support 34. Instead, the elbow 32 is operable to lock the guide 26 and the extension 18 in a predetermined angular disposition.

The elbow 32 includes a protractor 54 that measures the angle between the extension 18 and the guide 26, perhaps measuring according to a simplified scale unrelated to standard measures such as degrees or radians. For example, the scale might be demarcated nonuniformly in simple numbers, letters or shapes that indicate particularly useful angles for styling hair. As with the linear scales 44, 48, 50, the scale of the protractor 54 might be printed, engraved or molded, for example.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the extension joint 24 can be attached to either side of the comb 12, for example to better accommodate both right-handed and left-handed stylists and to accommodate various cutting scenarios. More specifically, this result might be implemented by including a longitudinal groove 58 complementary with the extension joint 24 along each side of the spine 14 of the comb 12 and extending the spine 14 longitudinally beyond the teeth 16 at at least one end. For further adjustability, at least one groove 58 may include at least one detent 60 to more certainly engage the extension joint 24 at a specific position along the length of the groove 58.

In one mode of operation, the stylist adjusts the length of the extension 18 and the angle between the guide 26 and the extension 18 such that the guide 26 lies at a desired separation and angle with respect to the spine 14 of the comb 12. An oblique angle produces a tapered cut or different angled layer cut. The teeth 16 of the comb 12 are then combed through the client's hair against the client's scalp such that the hair rests against and falls over the guide 26 and the guide 26 indicates the desired length of cut. The stylist then cuts the hair along the guide 26. The length of the guide 26 may be set to adjust the amount of hair presented for cutting at each pass.

FIG. 13 shows a fourth embodiment 10 _(d) of an apparatus for styling hair 10 _(d). The fourth embodiment 10 _(d) is similar to the earlier embodiments 10 _(a), 10 _(b), 10 _(c), but characterized by the following differences.

Most noticeably, the fourth embodiment 10 _(d) is adapted for use—not with scissors—but with clippers (not shown) that cut hair adjacent the teeth 16 of the comb 12. The fourth embodiment 10 _(d) includes a permanent gap 56, in this case a gap 56 in the guide 26 itself.

The extension 18 and the support 34 are telescopic; the guide 26 is not. The guide 26 is permanently fixed in perpendicular disposition to the extension 18 and the support 34.

In operation, the stylist adjusts the length of the extension 18 and the support 34 to set the length and then lifts the hair. The guide 26 is then swept across the client's scalp such that the client's hair is combed through the teeth 16 of the comb 12 to be cut by the clippers.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings and may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described while within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the invention might be used in combination with implements other than scissors and clippers, for example a razor. In addition, the reference numerals in the claims are merely for convenience and are not to be read in any way as limiting. 

1. An apparatus for styling hair in cooperation with a comb having a spine and a plurality of teeth extending from the spine, the apparatus comprising: (a) a telescopic extension having a base and a tip operable to extend substantially normally with respect to both the spine and the teeth of the comb; (b) an extension joint joining the base of the extension to the spine of the comb; (c) a guide having a first end and a second end; and (d) an elbow connecting the first end of the guide to the tip of the extension (18).
 2. An apparatus for styling hair as claimed in claim 1, wherein the extension includes an extension-scale.
 3. An apparatus for styling hair as claimed in claim 2, wherein (a) the extension is formed from a plurality of telescoping segments; and (b) the exposed length of a segment when fully or partially extended is equal to a unit of the extension-scale.
 4. An apparatus for styling hair as claimed in claim 3, wherein a segment when fully extended resists retraction.
 5. An apparatus for styling hair as claimed in claim 1, wherein the guide is operable to rotate about the elbow.
 6. An apparatus for styling hair as claimed in claim 5, wherein the elbow includes a protractor that measures the angle between the extension and the guide.
 7. (canceled)
 8. An apparatus for styling hair as claimed in claim 5, wherein the elbow is operable to lock the guide and the extension in a predetermined angular disposition.
 9. An apparatus for styling hair as claimed in claim 1, wherein the guide is telescopic.
 10. An apparatus for styling hair forth as claimed in claim 1, wherein the guide includes a guide-scale.
 11. An apparatus for styling hair as claimed in claim 1, further comprising (a) a support having a proximal end and a distal end extending substantially parallel to the extension; and (b) a support joint joining the proximal end of the support to the spine of the comb.
 12. An apparatus for styling hair as claimed in claim 11, wherein the support is telescopic.
 13. An apparatus for styling hair as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a knee connecting the second end of the guide to the distal end of the support.
 14. An apparatus for styling hair as claimed in claim 13, wherein the guide is operable to rotate about the knee.
 15. An apparatus for styling hair as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spine includes a spine-scale.
 16. An apparatus for styling hair as claimed in claim 11, wherein the extension joint and the support joint are adapted to releasably engage the comb.
 17. (canceled)
 18. An apparatus for styling hair as claimed in claim 1, wherein the extension and the comb are unitary.
 19. An apparatus for styling hair as claimed in claim 1, wherein the guide has a gap.
 20. An apparatus for styling hair as claimed in claim 19, wherein the gap is at the elbow.
 21. A comb for use in cooperation with an apparatus for styling hair, the apparatus for styling hair having an extension joint for engaging the comb, the comb comprising (a) an elongated spine engageable within the extension joint; and (b) a plurality of teeth extending normally from the spine wherein the spline extends beyond the plurality of teeth and the spine includes a longitudinal groove on each side engageable with the extension joint.
 22. (canceled)
 23. (canceled)
 24. A comb as claimed in claim 21, wherein at least one groove includes at least one detent for more certainly engaging the extension joint at a specific position along the length of the groove. 